Nominee – Hišimy̓awiƛ (Gathering Together)

OVERVIEW

The Vancouver Island section of the Alpine Club of Canada built and is operating a new mountain hut since 2019. Being given a name, according to First Nations tradition, means being given responsibility as well as privilege. Hišimy̓awiƛ, “Gathering Together”, implies that the section is tasked to ensure people have a place to gather, to share, to work and to play together and most importantly, to look after the land from now and into the future. In a next step, they plan to equip the self-sustaining hut with additional solar capacity and stabilise wind generation.

Vision, goals and objectives

The project involves the construction and operation of a mountain hut on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Construction of the hut was completed in 2019 and the hut has proven to be well used since then.

Vision

• To create a place where people, projects and ideas “Gather Together”.
• To do this in a manner that instills respect for the land and its heritage now and into the future.
• To build Vancouver Island’s first heated alpine hut that is open to the general public and accessible year-round by self-propelled transportation only.
• To provide back country accommodation for those who want to hike, climb, ski or snowshoe in the alpine and to do so in a safe, affordable manner.
• To build strong relationships with local First Nations

Goals

The Alpine Club of Canada VI Section set the following goals upon commencement of the hut project. The following lists each goal and its present status:

• To find a suitable location for the site and to obtain permissions and permits to do so.
  Status: The hut is located approximately 35km west of the City of Port Alberni at an elevation of 1,300m on the scenic West Ridge of 5040 Peak. Permits and permissions are all approved.
• To build a self-sustaining hut with solar and wind power capacity for year-round accommodation
  Status: Completed. After 2 years of use, we now plan to increase the solar capacity and stabilize wind generation.
• To be self-funded by fees and donations.
  Status: Rates set low enough with a break-even budget except for new capital expenses.
• To provide a safe place for learning.
  Status: The hut is a base to lead educational workshops on mountain skills. The hut is used as a training facility for a range of courses related to mountain safety (e.g. avalanche preparedness, navigation, rescue, technical climbing, etc). Casual users increase their knowledge about the back country through informal contacts at the hut.
• To expand relationships with groups who may be marginalized in the mountaineering environment, but still have an interest in exploring the back country and/or environmental sustainability.
  Status: To date, local First Nations groups, local businesses, Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island Section group camps, youth groups, mountain guides, Women’s Groups, and LGTBQ groups have all used the hut.

Objectives met

• ACCVI built a hut of approximately 800 sq. ft. and sleep 12 people. The building footprint is 26 ft.x32 ft.
• Heating is by a wood pellet fire place and cooking is by propane stoves.
• A solar array and wind turbines generate power that is stored in a bank of batteries.
• Human waste is managed in a state-of-the-art urine separating outhouse.
• A greywater system ensures appropriate management of additional waste water.
• The hut is used by a wide range of users for courses, adventures and cultural events.
• A volunteer hut committee manages day-to-day administrative activities.

Expected implementation and outcomes

Based on two years of operational experience, some improvements and enhancements to the project have been identified that would assist in achieving the vision and goals. It was observed that winter weather conditions are more severe than originally anticipated. Fuelled by social media reports, the hut and surrounding area utilization is greater than anticipated and it has been noted that many of these visitors have minimal understanding of back country etiquette or safety. This influx of visitors has led to environmental impacts on the surrounding area.

Key Tasks and Activities

IMPROVE HUT WEATHER RESILIENCE A solar array and wind turbines generate power that is stored in a bank of batteries.

1. Increase solar power from 6 to 20 panels.
2. Change back-up generators for ease of use by hut users.
3. With winds up to 170 km/hour, need to consider how best to build a sustainable wind power system.

ENSURE RESOURCE AND WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED

1. Train custodians to maintain systems.
2. Schedule regular and ongoing maintenance.
3. Post proper signage in critical areas.

IMPROVE USER UNDERSTANDING OF BACK COUNTRY ETIQUETTE AND SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS.

1. Monitor use of hut and surrounding area to preserve the natural environment. Develop signs – safety, warnings of back country realities – bears, weather, avalanches.
2. Add a second urine separating toilet to accommodate the increasing use of the back country.
3. Build a strong volunteer network within which to share knowledge whether technical, environmental, or social.

Expected outcomes

1.  To increase availability of power for lighting and heat to 100% (year-round).
2.  To improve back country etiquette and reduce human impact through signage and improved facilities.
3.  To open up new opportunities for people to explore the surrounding areas for mountaineering, skiing, climbing and hiking by partnering with other key stakeholders.
4. To increase the number of volunteers and active supporters of the project.

New Milestones based on experience to date

1. Expand solar panels from 6 to 20 by fall 2021
2. Update wind power generation by summer 2022
3. Build relationships with 5 new stakeholder groups by 2022.
4. Invite First Nations youth to use the hut twice yearly for free and negotiate with other targeted groups to use the hut.
5. Build a kiosk at the trail head with information about trail conditions, respect for the environment, safety issues, and First Nations history of the area by 2022.
6. Build a second urine separating toilet for public use by 2022

Please note that the content published in this article is courtesy of the Award nominee. The UIAA has made minor revisions to the original submission.